Chinese US ties expected to strengthen with appointment of Branstad

Created: Friday, 09 December 2016 07:52

Peng Liyuan Xi Jinping and Barack Obama in the Lincoln Bedroom. (Image source: White House/ Commons) As Donald Trump appoints Terry Branstad as the ambassador to China, agricultural ties between the world's two super powers could be set to increase as a result of Branstad's personal relationship with Chinese Premier Xi Jinping

Republican governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad is set to become ambassador to China when Donald Trump takes over from Barrack Obama as President of the United States in January 2017, as reports were confirmed on 7 December.

Branstad is a personal friend of Chinese president Xi Jingpin and has har reaching ties and relationships with contacts in China. It is thought that because of this history with the country, Trump will aim to build political and economic ties through Branstad, particularly as the president-elect attacked the country numerous times throughout his campaign.

Xi Jingpin visited a number of agricultural plants in 2012 on his visit to Iowa, and it is expected that agricultural ties with China and the US could be built through Branstad's background in Iowa and their farming history and economic tapestry.

In 2012, China and US signed a cooperation deal on food security, safety and sustainable agriculture. It is hoped that Branstad shall be able to build on this deal into Trump's tenure.